Oxford University Press SA is an educational publisher with a tradition of excellence and bringing scholarship and education to people around the world.

In South Africa, Oxford University Press SA, aims to strictly adhere to curriculum guidelines and our title, In Search of History Grade 12, is no exception. The curriculum statements for History clearly state the need for learners to engage critically with History topics, one of which is the use of different sources in the documentation of History.

As the title of the book indicates, it asks learners to engage critically with History texts, enquire about the sources of information presented and to come to their own conclusions. It is within this context that the Zapiro cartoon (published in 1994) appears on page 200 and on the opposite page 201 an activity encourages learners to identify the bias present in the cartoon. Oxford agrees that the cartoon is an example of bias and as such made a good example of bias in the media.

Oxford University Press SA did not consult any political party on the inclusion of any of the content and the book is written by well respected history teachers and historians. In Search of History is not the only History textbook approved on the national catalogue and teachers have a choice of books to use.

In order to discuss bias within the South African History curriculum, it is inevitable that someone or some group may feel aggrieved and take umbrage. Oxford will consider rotating this specific cartoon and adjusting the activity accordingly in each reprint to ensure that different parties are represented in each different edition, so as not to give learners or the public the idea that one party is being targeted.

The resulting debate is an example of a vibrant democracy within which opposing ideas can be viewed and discussed and is the intent of the module on bias.

We regret that Dr Buthelezi and the IFP have taken this as a personal critique.

Kind regards

Lieze Kotze
Managing Director
Oxford University Press SA